STRAIGHT PATH 69
tians as irreverent and irreligious because of the casual and informal manner in which they engage in prayer. It is hard for them to understand that the Christian emphasis is upon the inward and spiritual value and meaning of prayer, rather than on the outward concrete forms and physical postures. To the Moslem, however, these outward forms are important, and give essential validity to his prayers. They are a part of the straight path which will ultimately lead him to the gate of heaven. To some the Moslem prayer recited in Arabic five times a day may seem but vain repetition; but to the faithful it is the staff of life, the key to paradise.
Prayer to be acceptable to God must come up to certain standards or requirements, and these must be strictly observed. These are the right direction in which to face (the qibla), legal purification, the correct times, correct postures, and recitation in Arabic.
The qibla, or right direction to face. Moslems all over the world are required to face the holy shrine of Islam, the Kaaba at Mecca, when they pray. No Moslem would even think of beginning his prayer without being reasonably sure of his directions. Travelers by sea or land have often asked the writer to indicate where the sun rises, so that from that information they might get their bearings. Sometimes a compass is carried to enable one to make sure that he is right; the author has seen a small compass carried as a watch charm for this purpose. At one time Mohammed had designated Jerusalem as the qibla;
